Developing the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

Support the next generation of hospitality leaders by expanding hands-on learning, professional development, and industry experiences through Cornell’s Hotel Leadership Development Program at The Statler Hotel.

About us

The Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP) at The Statler Hotel provides Cornell students with hands-on leadership experience in a real-world hospitality environment. Through management roles, cross-departmental experience, professional mentorship, and industry engagement, students apply what they learn in the classroom while developing the judgment, communication skills, and the confidence needed to lead in hospitality.

Our goal

Our goal is to expand the experiential learning and professional development opportunities available to HLDP students.

Funds raised will support industry immersion trips, guest speakers, leadership workshops, training programs, and other experiences that connect students directly with hospitality organizations and professionals. These opportunities let students explore different markets, business models, career paths, and leadership approaches beyond what they encounter in coursework and day-to-day roles at The Statler Hotel.

Students develop a broader understanding of the field and gain practical insights they can bring back to their roles at The Statler. Donor support will help make these high-impact experiences accessible to more students and allow HLDP to continue offering meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Impact

HLDP reflects Cornell’s commitment to learning through experience. Students do more than observe and study hospitality operations; they lead them. They serve as supervisors, mentors, and role models for their student colleagues while helping provide exceptional hospitality to hotel guests and the broader Cornell community. The leadership skills they develop strengthen their teams at The Statler today and prepare them to make a lasting impact throughout the hospitality industry.

By supporting HLDP, donors invest in students who will graduate with both a Cornell education and meaningful experience leading people, solving operational challenges, and serving others. These students will carry Cornell’s values of leadership, service, and excellence into hospitality organizations and communities around the world.